(PRESS RELEASE) CHICAGO, IL – This year, Chicago-based Artistry Ltd. is celebrating 35 years in the fine jewelry industry with benchmark moments including a new business venture and manufacturing accolades.
Of top note is the recent debut of Artistry’s first branded collection, Graymoor Lane Designs (GLn). Launched to the retail trade with positive reviews at the June 2017 LUXURY by JCK trade-only event, GLn is a contemporary fine jewelry line that reflects the principles of Mid-Century Modern architecture and decorative design. GLn’s four introductory collections – Bloom, Cypress, Juniper and Solstice – balance an authentic design aesthetic with contemporary lifestyles at accessible price points.
Graymoor Lane is a family story. Artistry’s founder and president, Laura Klemt, and her daughter, Susan Klemt Williams, vice president, created GLn to share the story of their family’s deep connection with and affinity for Mid-Century Modern architecture, art and furnishings. Laura Klemt grew up in an architecturally significant home on ‘Graymoor Lane’ that was located in a unique Chicago area development steeped in Mid-Century design. Susan Klemt Williams’ family home was chosen to showcase her grandmother’s Mid-20th Century furnishings. The same spare, elegant lines that define the best of Mid- Century Modern Design are reflected in each element of the new GLn collection. These simple, elegant designs offer today’s contemporary woman exceptional jewelry that can travel with her on all of her journeys as she navigates life from role to role and from day to night.
In October, Graymoor Lane Designs debuted in 25 independent retailers including Borsheims Fine Jewelry, Longs Jewelers, Clarkson Jewelers, Mountz Jewelers, Smyth Jewelers among other fine stores.
In addition, GLn’s digital web and social platform launched this fall. The website, www.graymoorlanedesigns.com, reflects Graymoor’s beautiful and compelling lifestyle brand campaign featuring gorgeous FORD super model, Basia Milewicz. Created to provide a seamless experience for GLn’s strategic retail partners, Graymoor’s dot com will feature a robust Retailer Portal which will provide partners the ability to process orders, access collection details and images as well as a suite of digital marketing and brand building tools.
Rounding out Artistry’s list of recent accomplishments, on July 24 Laura Klemt, was honored with an Award of Excellence in Merchandising and Product Development by the Women’s Jewelry Association, recognizing her and Artistry for their consistently fine design, impeccable craftsmanship and well-curated collections over the years. From the solo venture that began three-and-a-half decades ago to the addition of the second generation 10 years ago to the current launch of Graymoor Lane Designs, this determined mother-daughter force is leading this remarkable Chicago area fine jewelry business into a new era.
“Graymoor Lane Designs is a homage to my entrepreneurial grandfather and to my mother (and so many others) who lived and adorned themselves with great understated style in their remarkable mid- 20th century homes on Graymoor Lane back in the day. What a joy it has been to partner with my daughter Susan in this remarkable journey!” Laura Klemt said.
Shown here are selections from Graymoor Lane Design’s Juniper Collection.